Improvement in breech-loading fire-arms



G. SMITH.

Breech-Loading I Fire-Arm.

No. 14.001 Patiente d Dec. 25, 1855.

T}; STAT PATENT UFFIQE.

' IMPROVEMENT IN BREECH-LOADING FIRE-ARMS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 14,001, datedDeccmbcr25, 1855.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GILBERT SMITH, of Buttermilk Falls, Orange county,and State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Mode of LoadingGuns at the Breech; and I do hereby declare that the following is a fulland exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawing, and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

The nature of my invention consists in the opening-cap A being eccentricto the axis of the barrel, whereby opening in one position and closingin another, according as the aperture in the cap A is in position toeither close or open the breech of the gun, said aperture being -made toroll concentric with the barrel 13, opening the same to receive thecharge, the reverse motion combined with the traverse motion obtained bythe screw on the inside of the cap, and exterior of the eccentricportion attached to the barrel B for closing the breech.

Since the date of my caveat filed on the 27th day of October, 1854, Ihave perfected and improved my invention, making it more applicable tolarge guns by the insertion of the screw-pin G into the head of the cap,thereby using in part the above-described motions for the purposesspecified, and completing the closing of the breech by the direct actionof the screw-pin 0 being turned and forwarded into the seat as soon asthe eccentric has thrown it direct over the axis of the barrel, and bythe addition of stops on the outside of the cap I regulate the abovemovements.

I also show on the drawing the manner I have carried out myimprovements. The handle D, for turning the pin 0, is here made to carrythe lock or hammer E, which strikes on. the nipple inserted in the endof the pin 0, when actuated by the spring F.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,is-

1. The eccentric and traverse motions combined for opening and closingapertures by means of a cap perforated eccentric to itself, as abovedescribed.

2. Closing the aperture by means of an inserted screw-pin being screwedforward direct from the cap when the eccentric throws it direct over theaxis of aperture, as herein and above described.

GILBERT SMITH.

Vitnesses J AMES S. DIAOK, H. SKIDMORE.

